How to wire an Engel <span class="highlight">battery</span> <span class="highlight">monitor</span> ??

Submitted: Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 19:19

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PAJBOY

Guys,

Just after some ideas on how to wire up an Engel battery monitor, as mine has no instructions. It is the new digital readout type, model number BM11 which has a cut-out of 10.5 or 11.5 volts. Anyone have a layout of what wire does what ? What is the best cut-out voltage ?

I have been told that it can be 'hard-wired' into the system. Does this mean that I place this monitor between the battery and the aux. fuse box, so that if it registers a drop in battery voltage, all power will be cut the fridge etc. Will the monitor be able to handle the current draw of numerous items, including fridge, fluros, uhf etc.

I am putting it into an x-trail, so an aux battery is out of the question.

Thanks in advance.

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Reply By: Member - Phil G (SA) - Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 22:08

Monday, Dec 04, 2006 at 22:08

I measured up the battery compartment in our Xtrail and it would just be big enough for a bigger N70 battery, if you wanted more capacity. I think you could slip in an Exide Extreme or similar - cost about $130-140. I've had friends do this with a RAV and it works fine.

If you are relying on the battery to start the vehicle, I'd definitely go for the higher voltage. Xtrail starts pretty easily, but even so, I'd doubt it would start at 11.5. The saving grace here is that some voltage drop in your wiring to your fridge may mean it really cuts out at say 12.0 instead of 11.5. You'd just have to try it and see. And for that reason, I'd install the cutout at the fridge.

The low voltage cutouts also draw their own small amount of current. This can be an issue if your vehicle stands for a week or two without being used.

Your fridge is your only high power draw item. Fluoros, UHF etc do not draw enough current to matter, so you may want to run them from one of the other 3 sockets in the Xtrail.

I've set our Xtrail up to take an engel - I terminated my wiring under the RHS rear seat, so the fridge can be secured with this 1/3rd seat folded down. I have a low voltage cutouts that have male and female plugs, so they can be used or left out.

AnswerID: 208600